Amsterdam at the heart of MUFG's European operations

A central hub in Europe

From MUFG’s office in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas, Harm explains, "MUFG is a global group operating in over 40 countries with over 150,000 professionals serving clients worldwide. In Europe we think of ourselves as being truly international with a strong Japanese heritage. Our EU business is a foundational part of our global model with Amsterdam at the centre of our EU hub-and-spoke model. The spokes include offices across Europe, allowing proximity to clients, and the Amsterdam hub provides scale and depth of expertise.”

Bots explained why MUFG has its continental Europe headquarters in Amsterdam: “We started with a smaller office here in the 1960s and we have grown significantly since then to be near to our clients." 

Amsterdam is an ideal European base and provides exceptional connectivity for clients and executives travelling across Europe including to and from London, Milan, Frankfurt and Madrid. Bots added, "Schiphol airport is just one train stop from our office which makes the location very convenient. For shorter journeys, for example, going to our Brussels, Paris or Dusseldorf offices, it's quick and easy to take the train. We're encouraging our employees to use the wide public transport network and of course Amsterdam boasts an extensive cycling infrastructure which many use for their daily commute.”

A skilled and collaborative workforce

When asked about the local workforce, Mr. Bots said that language skills are also an important benefit of being located in Amsterdam. He commented, "We work closely with colleagues in London and more globally, so the fact that the Dutch, as well as the sizeable international workforce in the Netherlands, tend to have excellent English language skills is a considerable benefit. Our people represent over 50 different nationalities."

The Bank also employs the expertise of the highly skilled local workforce, adding several senior hires to its Amsterdam management and supervisory boards, bringing experience from financial services and local regulators amongst others.

MUFG's vision is focused on simplifying structures, enhancing collaboration, and breaking down silos across geographies and business lines. Building a culture of both in-person and hybrid collaboration was a key influence on the new office design in Amsterdam. Employees have responded positively to the enhanced workspace, designed to foster collaboration across business areas, with colleagues who previously worked in separate buildings now brought together under one roof.

An active member of the community

The Bank's activities outside the office and in the local community are an important part of its culture and purpose of empowering a brighter future. Mr. Bots explained, "We have over 450 employees in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is not just a workplace, it's where many of us live. Our people value opportunities to be involved with local communities, to give back and help out where they're needed. Contributing to social and environmental projects really enhances employees' well-being and job satisfaction as well." 

MUFG's initiatives focus on environmental sustainability, community engagement and social inclusion. Across multiple impactful events, especially during the Group’s annual ‘Season of Giving’, employees participate in volunteering activities, strengthening their commitment to positive change. Amsterdam's charitable initiatives have welcomed MUFG's employees who regularly participate in community-led projects such as gardening and maintenance at a community farm, hosting a coding skills event for local children and providing financial education to children and youngsters.”

Harm Bots concluded, "We are happily established in Amsterdam and we're looking forward to the next phase of growth and being our clients' trusted partner in the Netherlands and across Europe."

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